How to select the right powerbank for you in Australia

Many Australians are turning to powerbanks to booster their draining phone batteries. As smartphones and tablets begin to encroach more and more on our daily lives, the need to always be in contact is growing. For most people, there’s nothing worse than having a phone go flat on them in the middle of a busy day. A flat phone can send many people into a panic, as they can no longer keep in touch with business clients, their kids, even Google Maps! The great thing about powerbanks is they provide charge for those on the go. Rather than freaking out when your phone dips below the dreaded 10 per cent battery, simply plug your powerbank in and get on with the rest of your day without a worry of being disconnected.

If you are looking to purchase a powerbank, consider the following important issues below.

Safety

A crucial aspect of selecting a powerbank is safety. It’s important to understand that the main element of a powerbank is a lithium ion/lithium polymer battery. Even though these batteries are frequently used in day-to-day life, safety must always be paramount. In order to ensure the battery in your powerbank is safe to use, you must check that it is of A grade quality and also if it holds a UL Certification. This certificate proves it has undertaken rigorous electrical, environmental, mechanical and fire exposure testing. Another important safety feature is the Protective Circuitry. This element of the device protects not only the user, but the device and equipment that charges it. The aim of the Protective Circuitry is to stop forced charge, internal and external short circuit and abnormal and over charging.

Capacity vs portability

One of the most important specification to consider when purchasing a powerbank is its capacity. Essentially, the greater the capacity of the powerbank, the more times it will charge a device. The capacity of powerbanks are measured in milliampere-hour (mAh), which is the same measurement used to measure your phone battery. Therefore, when determining the capacity of the powerbank you need, you should refer to your own phone’s capacity. For example, if your phone has a capacity of 2,000 mAh, then generally speaking it will receive a full recharge from a powerbank that also has a 2,000 mAh capacity.

Quality vs price

When selecting the right powerbank for you, it’s extremely important to focus on the quality, rather than just the price. Unfortunately, all batteries have the potential to explode, which is why it’s crucial you purchase the right powerbank that is not going to put you at risk. To minimize your risk, ensure the company you are purchasing products that are manufactured to the highest quality by reputable companies.

As a general rule, avoid unknown companies offering cheap powerbanks. While it may sound like a good deal that will save you money, in the long run it could end up being a very costly decision. Usually, companies are able to offer such cheap prices because they cut corners during the manufacturing process. Often the temperature protection mechanisms, short circuit and over charging are an issue.

The battery pack’s input current

Many people are drawn to the larger-capacity powerbanks because they desire a charge that will keep their device-working non-stop. The reality is, higher capacity powerbanks actually take longer to recharge than their smaller counterparts. Normally those with 15,000 mAh powerbanks will need to leave the device to charge overnight.

Furthermore, the battery pack’s input current will also affect the time it takes to boost the charge. Generally, the majority of powerbanks take between a 0.8A and 1.5A. Typically, the higher capacity devices contain the higher currents.

If you would like to find out more about the powerbanks Powerbank Australia offers, send us an email